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Stage III Mesothelioma

When determining the extent and nature of any kind of cancer - which in turn, plays a large part in designing an appropriate course of treatment - oncologists use a rubric or "staging" system. This is only one of the criteria by which malignancies are classified, the first of which is determined by the location of the tumor and the third of which is determined by the cellular structure (or lack thereof).

Staging assists the oncologist in determining how far the cancer has advanced and how treatable the patient's malignancy really is.

Although there are three distinct staging systems currently in use, all three are based on four primary stages:

Stage III mesothelioma has spread to other organs in the chest or abdomen.

Butchart System

This is the oldest system used by oncologists, and is used only for patients diagnosed with the pleural variety of mesothelioma. In Stage III, the cancer has spread from the pleural lining to the abdomen. The entire lymphatic system may also be involved at this point.

TMN System

TNM stands for Tumor, Lymph Nodes, and Metastasis. This is a newer method which is usually employed for staging malignant pleural mesothelioma, although it is also used for the peritoneal type as well.

Under Stage III of this system, the cancer has metastasized from the pleural lining into the heart, ribs, esophagus, and other vital organs. At this point, the lymphatic system has definitely been affected.

Brigham System

This is the newest staging system, which was developed especially for use in cases of mesothelioma. Under Stage III of the Brigham System, the cancer is inoperable due to its spread into other areas. Tumors may be located in inaccessible areas, or may be too widespread. In addition, the cancer has affected the lymphatic system.

Prognosis

By the time the disease has reached Stage III, prognosis is grim. Even if the primary tumor can be removed, cancer cells have most likely spread to other areas, and metastasis is almost a certainty. At this point, palliative treatments that can reduce pain and make the patient more comfortable during his/her final days are the generally the only viable options.

Sources

Cancer Guide. "Understanding Cancer Types and Staging." Cancerguide.org, March 2009, http://cancerguide.org/basic.html

Dodson, R. and Hammar, S. Asbestos: Risk Assessment, Epidemiology, and Health Effects. (Boca Raton:Taylor & Francis, 2006.)

Galateau-Salle, Francoise. Pathology of Malignant Mesothelioma. (London: Springer-Verlag London Limited, 2006.)

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